My three major creative efforts came to me at different times in my life.  I had no idea that I was creative until I was in my mid-twenties and working in broadcasting.  During that time, I became smitten with photography.  After 5 years in broadcasting, I continued onto graduate school for a Masters in Information Systems and became an analyst and project manager.  When I reached my late 40’s, the need to be creative became much stronger.  After attending a jewelry repair class, I fell in love with beading and all of its possibilities.  In 2003, I was laid off during the Dot Bomb.  After about a year, I was given the opportunity to study graphic design.  I now realize that being creative is very much a part of who I am and one of my gifts.

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Photography

When I was about 25, I got my first SLR camera and this started my lifelong interest in photography. 

A few years later, I moved to Washington, DC and took my first official photography class at the Smithsonian Institute.  I learned some photography basics including how to develop my own B&W film and prints.  I continued to take classes in DC and then in the NYC area.  I learned about different types of B&W film and development processes as well as how to properly use the various camera functions.  I was surprised to discover that the camera was not an exact device and that it was possible to compensate for its weaknesses.

During this time, I leaned towards geometric, architectural, or quirky city images…not too many people or landscapes.   I spent a lot of time on the weekends with my camera.

Hours flew by when I was working in the darkroom.  This was my first sense of the creative effort and how it manifests.

After I moved to California, my photography completely changed.  Now, I gravitate towards landscape, gardens, and people…still some B&W but mostly color.  For two years, I created and sold greeting cards.  In 2005, I started to do portrait photography for both entrepreneurs and families.  I’ve been fortunate to do wedding photos for two close friends.  In 2007, I obtained my first digital SLR camera which enables me to do portraits of people for their websites and marketing materials. 

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Jewelry

In 2001, I took a jewelry repair class with a good friend.  Almost immediately, I became hooked on beads.  Visiting a bead shop is an incredible experience … there are so many things to look at and consider.  Once you get going, it is possible to whip up gifts and creations in a snap.

I especially like to recycle unloved/unwanted jewelry.  When I’m given a batch of jewelry, I gift the donor with a redesigned piece or two and keep the rest for my own creations.  I tend to make sets – earrings and bracelets, earrings and necklaces.  Since I use a lot of recycled pieces, my designs are one-of-a-kind.  I know when I’ve arrived at a design because a ‘ding’ goes off in my head.   Sometimes pieces are in my collection for over a year before the rest of the pieces appear and/or the design materializes.

I do special projects upon request and these are my favorites.   For example, I took a long, faceted amethyst necklace and turned it into earring, necklace and bracelet sets for three sisters.  It was their Mom’s necklace and it was a way to remember her.  There were so many pieces that I was able to make 12 extra sets of earrings for friends as well.  This was a very special project and I was happy to be asked.  Another time, a friend asked me to make a favorite crystal and a chestnut into pendants so her young child could chew on and play with them.

I also really enjoy creating jewelry for brides.  It is fun to create jewelry to closely match the bridal gown as well as adhere to the bride's requirements.  Recently, one of the brides … at the last minute ... decided not to wear her original gown.  Since time was tight and the new dress was on order, I had to make the new set of jewelry from a small catalog picture!  This was a nerve wracking project as it is difficult to match up colors based on a picture ... thank goodness the jewelry was a huge success! 

In addition to design, I also do jewelry repair.  I sometimes enlist my significant other who is very skilled with solder and glue.  It is really fun to take someone’s favorite broken piece and make it wearable again.  It’s also great fun to do projects with my boyfriend!  More recently, I've been repairing rhinestone vintage jewelry for two local collectible shops. 

Overall, it is a blast to work with beads!  I love seeing people wearing my pieces and love the creative effort!

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Graphic Design

After being laid off during the Dot Bomb, I was given the opportunity to retrain.  I decided to take advantage of this and study graphic design.  After many years in IT, I was ready for a change.

I think that graphic design is an amazing field with never-ending opportunities to learn more.  On any day, I find myself looking at signs on trucks, promotional postcards, packaging, logos … it goes on and on.  It is interesting and challenging work with many aspects – using sophisticated software tools, working with printers or sign makers, partnering with clients and fulfilling their needs, and creating the end product which can take many forms.

I can also apply many of my existing skills such as working with clients, managing projects, interfacing with vendors and using a methodology.  In addition, I like to make the process an educational one for my clients.  In this way, they can participate fully and feel more comfortable with the graphic design process.

So far, I’ve been working in a freelance capacity and, as a result, have created advertisements, signs, business cards and stationary, logos, websites, brochures, programs, banners and baby announcements.  I love the variety!

I look forward to many, many more years working as a graphic designer!

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